Brief History of the CUP League
Summarized by Walt Milligan from a document by Aarne Holmio (Escanaba); October 2007
Prior to 1989, most central UP associations and/or their coaches independently scheduled games for their teams. This resulted in somewhat haphazard judgement of team strengths since games were not played on regular schedules, and many teams were unable to schedule against all other teams. Realizing the need for vast improvement in the scheduling process, Escanaba's Ward Johnsen took the initiative to commence organization of area associations into a league which would ensure more even competition for its members.
Formally organized in 1989, CUPHL's charter members were Dickinson County, Escanaba, Iron Range, Manistique, Marinette-Menominee, and Marquette. Additions occurred as follows:
- 1994 Calumet, Copper Country
- 1996 Baraga, L'Anse, Ontonagon
- 1998 Ironwood
- 1998 Baraga and L'Anse merge to form Keweenaw Bay, accepted into membership
- 2001 Iron River, Munising
- 2004 Newberry
Marinette-Menominee's membership in CUPHL terminated in 2001 for lack of participation, and St. Ignace was denied entry the same year.
A more detailed history may be found in Aarne's 2006 Manual for CUPHL Directors (pdf).